Not much gets written about the Audi A6, which is a shame because we have found it one of the most enjoyable models in German automaker's lineup to drive. A report in Car and Driver as to the future of the A6 2.0-liter turbo might not get the model much more press, but could get it more sales. The 211-horsepower four-cylinder has only been available with a CVT and front-wheel drive; now an eight-speed automatic and Quattro appear on the option sheet.

Audi is recalling a small number of 2012 A6 models built between April 8 and May 26, 2011. The problem? According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the seam of the side curtain airbag may not have been stitched properly, and thus, may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. A total of 317 A6 models are affected by this recall.

The accusation began when the Audi A8 took on rather similar detailing as the smaller A4, and it was all but confirmed with the arrival of the latest A6: Audi was making the same car in different lengths. BMW, in fact, has been accused of the same thing with its sedans. Unlike BMW, though, Audi is apparently working to change that. It has begun a design overhaul called AQR that is claimed will "a set of individual themes for each of the three major model families."

Consumer Reports has just finished evaluating four mid-sized luxury sedans, and the 2012 Audi A6 managed to tie with the Infiniti M37 for the top spot. The publication cites the German four-door's substantial improvements over last year as the reason behind its success.